Emma: Now, let's get you out of this robe and into something worthy of a maid of honor.
Chloe: Emma, no... I can't wear a designer gown. I don't belong out there with all those wealthy people.
Emma: You belong wherever I am, Maya. We have three spare bridesmaid dresses in the closet from the original lineup. The blue silk one will fit you perfectly.
Chloe: What about Senator Vance's daughter? Evelyn said she was supposed to stand up there with you.
Emma: Senator Vance's daughter was only in the party because Evelyn forced her onto me for political favors. She'll be more than happy to sit in the audience and drink champagne.
Emma walked over to the tall wooden wardrobe, pulling out a breathtaking floor-length gown in dusty blue silk, complete with delicate shoulder straps and a crystal sash.
Emma: Put this on, Maya. Today isn't just my wedding day. It's the day our family gets put back together.
Chloe looked at the beautiful blue gown, her eyes shining with fresh, happy tears. For fifteen years she had worn hand-me-downs, faded uniforms, and second-hand clothes, always standing in the shadows while others celebrated. Now, her sister was holding out a dress fit for royalty.
Chloe: Thank you, Emma... thank you for remembering me.
Emma: Thank you for holding onto that photo, Maya. If you hadn't dropped it today, I might have walked down that aisle without knowing you were in the same room.
Twenty minutes later, the grand organ music echoed through the high arches of the estate chapel. The double oak doors swung open, revealing the sunlit aisle lined with white roses and hundreds of dressed-up guests.
At the front of the altar stood Julian, looking handsome and proud, while Evelyn sat in the back row, completely silent and stripped of her authority.
The crowd gasped softly as Chloe stepped into the aisle first, holding a bouquet of fresh white lilies, her dusty blue gown flowing elegantly with every step. Her head was held high, her smile bright and confident as she walked toward the front of the church.
Right behind her came Emma, her silk veil catching the sunlight, her eyes locked onto her sister standing proudly at the altar awaiting her arrival.
Julian: You look incredible, Maya. Both of you do.
Chloe: Thank you, Julian. Take good care of my sister.
Julian: I promise you, on my life, she will always be protected. And so will you.